Sources: Celtic backed for late signing spree as ambitious transfer plans outlined
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Credit: Imago Fri 22 May 2026 19:30, UK Celtic will be targeting some high-profile players towards the end of the summer transfer window as the board wait to see if they can clinch qualification to the Champions League group stage. The Hoops’ dramatic Premiership title win saw them qualify for the 2026-27 Champions League play-off round ahead of Hearts.They fell at the same hurdle last August against minnows Kairat Almaty, but will fancy their chances of progression to the league stage under a new manager this time around.As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, progression to the league stage would transform Celtic’s transfer plans ahead of next season.Celtic’s ambitions in the transfer market will be raised if they are competing at the highest level of European football for at least the first half of 2026-27. 🔄 Celtic Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Parkhead boardroom.
VISIT THE CELTIC TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Celtic’s owners will flex financial muscle if UCL league stage progress is madeCeltic’s board often wait until late in the summer window to make some high-profile signings, with incoming players waiting to join on the proviso that they will be playing in the Champions League proper.They will drop into the league phase of the Europa League with a loss in the play-offs in mid-August, but the owners are determined to avoid a repeat of last season under their new manager.SeasonOutcome2025-26Play-off – loss on penalties to Kairat Almaty2024-25Knockout phase play-off – 3-2 aggregate loss to Bayern Munich2023-24Group stage exit2022-23Group stage exit2021-22Second qualifying round – 3-2 aggregate loss to MidtjyllandCeltic’s last five Champions League campaignsSpeaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Winning the title definitely improves things, and if they can qualify for the Champions League that will be a huge boost to the coffers at Celtic Park as well.“We’ve seen Celtic over the last couple of years, they’ve waited (to sign players) until late on in the window because they were waiting to see if they could qualify for the Champions League.“It will probably be a similar situation this year. We’ll see if Celtic can clinch qualification to the lucrative league stage of the Champions League.
“Obviously it’ll also boost their chances of signing some their top targets if they have got Champions League football to offer as well.”Celtic still want to land Kasper Hogh despite £10million price tagBodo/Glimt striker Hogh was one of the biggest surprises in the earlier rounds of the 2025-26 Champions League, as he netted five goals in as many UCL appearances to help fire his club to an unprecedented place in the round of 16.Hogh earned a debut for Denmark in March and has continued to impress at club level into the new season, with five goals and four assists in eight 2026 Eliteserien games so far.Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Bodo want £10m for Hogh as Celtic keep a keen eye on his progress following a failed move in the January window.He is set to attract attention from some of Europe’s top clubs ahead of the summer window, so Celtic would certainly be displaying their ambition by signing him in the coming months.